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Gradable or non-gradable adj
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Ellisa  #488280  Thu, 13 Mar 08 05:18 AM

Hi!

An adverb "very" is used to modify a gradable adjective but my book (English Syntax and Argumentation- second edition, Bar Aarts, Reader in Modern English Language University College London) says that  " a very wooden performance" makes sense and it's grammatically correct.  Can you think of any reasons why this is OK?

 

Thanks in advance!
  
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Avangi  #488290  Thu, 13 Mar 08 05:31 AM

"Wooden" here is not used to describe something made of wood (which either is or isn't.)

It's used as a synonym for "stiff," which I think you'd agree is gradable.  (How stiff is it?)

It's very like wood.  -   very wood-ish

Hey!   -   (four hours later!)   -   I just noticed it's your first post!  WELCOME TO THE FORUMS!!!
  
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Ellisa  #489788  Mon, 17 Mar 08 08:30 AM

now I'm perfectly clear!

That wasn't that difficult than I expected..

Cheers!!
  
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